Studying in the UK has been a well-trodden path for Indian students for years. Home to many of the world’s top universities, it has a long history of academic excellence and an international reputation which means that a degree from the UK is recognised around the world.
Krishna Harish is an MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Kerala, India, who is currently studying at Sheffield Hallam University in England. She told us: “I chose the UK for my studies due to its high academic standards, which guarantee top-quality education.”
But costs are rising, and some students are starting to wonder how they can make studying in the UK’s busiest and best-known cities value for money.
Krishna had the same thought: “A significant concern was managing my personal budget while living in the UK, ensuring that I could cover my expenses without compromising my quality of life or educational experience.”
Enter Sheffield. It’s the UK’s sixth largest city, but is regularly ranked as among the UK’s most affordable places to live. Until now, it has often been thought about as a hidden gem – but not for much longer.
The city has experienced a major injection of investment in recent years. Over £470 million (₹49.8bn) has been spent on redevelopment of the city centre, which includes major shopping areas, Europe’s largest food hall, and Sheffield Hallam University’s city campus.
The city might be growing, but it still has university life at its core. There are over 60,000 students in Sheffield currently, and the city is a warm and welcoming place to live.
Faris Chulliparambil Ammukunhi, an International Hospitality and Tourism Management from India, told us that: “The biggest surprise of UK life so far has been the warmth and friendliness of the people. Despite the reputation for reserved behaviour [among British people], I’ve found locals to be welcoming and helpful.”
That is what sets Sheffield apart. It’s a big city, with a hometown feel. It was ranked the UK’s greenest city in 2021, with the second highest percentage of green space (61%) of any city in the world. It has five rivers, more trees per person than any other European city, and a third of the city sitting in the Peak District National Park.
Krishna said: “I was amazed by the Peak District and the number of beautiful, well-kept parks and gardens in urban areas of Sheffield, offering a peaceful retreat and a sense of nature even within busy city environments.”
Sheffield Hallam University
The city is also home to Sheffield Hallam University, which has made it its mission to be the world’s leading applied university. The university’s approach is framed around work experience and practical opportunities, and it offers work-based learning to every one of its students.
Roopal H Ramanna is originally from Karnataka, India and currently studying a Global MBA at Sheffield Hallam. She described how opportunities in industry have helped her to build her professional connections: “Professionally, it has provided invaluable networking opportunities, connecting me with industry experts, diverse peers, and potential employers from around the globe.”
Workplace experience for international students in the UK is especially valuable. The visa scheme which is available to overseas learners – known as the Graduate Route Visa – allows graduates to stay and work in the UK for two years after studying.
The UK government confirmed in May 2024 that it is committed to the visa scheme, so opportunities for Indian students who want to study, then live and work in the UK, will continue.
Taking the leap
Moving anywhere overseas is a big decision, and the UK can feel like a big jump. Doing your research and finding support are key, say Roopal:
Roopal said: “The comprehensive support services offered by Sheffield Hallam University, including dedicated advisers, skills centre sessions and a welcoming international student community, reassured me and made the transition smoother.”
In terms of the other advice she would give to prospective applicants, an open mind was top of the list: “Embrace opportunities to learn, share ideas, and build trust-based relationships with your peers and professors. By embracing the opportunities that studying in the UK offers, you can make the most of your international education experience.”
Disclaimer – “This is an advertorial. The content is produced by Sheffield Hallam University.”